Athletix Kidz

Athletix Kidz is a multi-event play programme based in Reigate for children aged between 2½ and 7 years old introducing basic skills for running, jumping and throwing whilst having lots of fun. As well as learning the athletics basics, your child will also develop their social, physical and psychological skills. Who knows, your child might be the […]

Athletix Kidz is a multi-event play programme based in Reigate for children aged between 2½ and 7 years old introducing basic skills for running, jumping and throwing whilst having lots of fun. As well as learning the athletics basics, your child will also develop their social, physical and psychological skills. Who knows, your child might be the next Greg Rutherford or Jessica Ennis-Hill.

Athletix Kidz was set up in 2016 by Sarah and Jason Hoad, who had watched their own children go through athletics from an early age at local clubs. Their eldest daughter, Lucy, went on to be a top 10 nationally ranked sprinter. It’s the only programme in the UK to focus on athletics through play.

Throughout this journey Sarah and Jason discovered that a programme was needed for young children to learn athletics via play before they joined their local athletics club – something to bridge the gap and teach the basics of running, jumping and throwing.

Classes are split into three categories according to age:

Nursery class: 2½ to 3½ – 30 minute sessions
Developed to encourage children to use core skills like balance, agility and co-ordination, incorporating basic running, jumping and throwing skills.

Junior class: 3½ to five years – 45 minute sessionsThese classes build on the basic motor skills and start looking at the more specific skills used in athletics. Running relays, jumping on mats, standing throws and mini hurdling offer further agility and balance.

Senior class: 5 to 7 years – 45 minute sessionsThese classes have been developed with the same ‘fun first’ approach of all the classes, with the main aim of preparing children to join their local athletics or sports club. The sessions involve enhancing confidence and technique.

Classes are held at various venues: church halls, leisure centres, running tracks and local parks (weather dependent).

Athletix Kidz also offers children’s parties with an emphasis on play and party games, and lots of prizes and medals on offer.